The Jewish Learning Initiative provides students on university campuses with opportunities for Jewish learning. The JLI educators present classes, learn with individual students, and speak publicly to the broad spectrum of student groups and forums.
No. All JLI courses are taught in English, and most texts are available in English. Ability to understand a New Jersey accent is required.
No. JLI courses are open to all Brandeis students.
Rabbi & Mrs. Aharon and Adena Frazer. If you are curious about their background or want to see pictures of their daughter, please see the About Us page.
Beit Midrash means "House of Inquiry". It refers to a room designated for Jewish learning. The Beit Midrash at Brandeis is downstairs in Shapiro Residence Hall (Massell Quad). That's where the JLI Educators hang out most often.
Gladly. Just email us.
We highly recommend the Virtual Beit Midrash.
That would be a good topic to hash out in person over lunch.
There's not too much even-handed reporting out there. Your best bet is probably to read Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post and let them balance each other out.
We're not going to go there.
Yes. Please come by the Hillel lounge (in Usdan) where there are brochures describing many educational and recreational opportunities in Israel.
JLI
What is JLI?
JLI is a joint venture of several sponsor organizations, including Hillel, the Orthodox Union, and Torah Mitzion.
At Brandeis, JLI functions as a part of Hillel, providing educational content for Hillel programming. The JLI educators also serve as the Orthodox Advisors to Hillel.
Do I have to know Hebrew to participate?
Do I have to be Jewish to participate?
Who are the JLI Educators?
What is the Beit Midrash?
You guys are cool. Will you do a program with my club, dorm, fraternity, etc?
Jewish Learning
Can you give me some web links so I can learn about Judaism with out putting down my slice of pizza and getting out of my chair?
I think Judaism is very nice and all, but I could never really get past this one ritual, belief, or idea that really turns me off.
Israel
Where can I get accurate, even-handed news reporting from Israel, in English?
Can you explain the Israeli-Arab conflict to me? Make it fast - I have a TV show in 10 minutes.
I am going to Israel on vacation. Do you know about any attractions or programs I might want to look into?